My job
We have an exciting opportunity to join the Pilgrims Europe Product & Innovation team with a vacancy for a Research & Development Chef based at our Grantham site.
This role will work closely with the R&D Manager and Senior Chefs in nurturing a food culture in the business, in line with our journey to become a world class food company. The successful candidate will work to bring new products to market, from the initial concept right through to product launch, by developing a unique portfolio of brilliant recipes that will be valued by our customers, supporting delivery of business growth and profitability.
Key areas of responsibility include (but not limited to):
Owner of recipe development (inc. recipe cost) on specific projects using Recipe Professor.
Support Senior Chef in packaging development (inc. packaging cost) on specific projects via Central Innovation Manager.
Prepare product costings to target MSP's and understand the business implications from a commercial and manufacturing point of view.
Provide product samples for internal/external meetings.
Owner of uploading costing request forms to Product Costing & Insight (PC&I) Portal.
Be at the forefront of the latest food trends to shape future NPD or innovation projects.
Maintain the upkeep of the NPD kitchen to a Gold Standard, support the site by using the paperless digital COSHH Management system for the control of all NPD Kitchen Chemicals.
During the development process and early gate stages you will actively liaise with the cross functional site team to discuss all new products, raw materials, processing and packaging
You will work closely with PC&I / Commercial teams to deliver commercially viable products and send costing files to PC&I (min 48hrs before submission).
Build relationships with retailers and ensure customer care and adherence to the Pilgrims Europe Vision and Values "To become the best and most respected company in our industry...
Skills and Knowledge:
~3 Years' experience as a Chef or equivalent food experience essential
~ Product / Menu Costing Experience
~ Supply chain experience -Sourcing of Ingredients / Produce
~ Project management skills
~ IT Proficiency - Excel/Word/Powerpoint
~ Ingredient Knowledge/Food Passion
~ Previous experience in the Food Industry
~ Relevant Food Industry Qualifications and/or Experience
~ Must have a full clean UK driving license
This role would be suitable for someone who is passionate with relevant restaurant/hospitality industry experience and exceptional culinary and creative food skills. As well as excellent Communication Skills and multi-tasking experience.
The company
Pilgrim's Europe produces some of the best-known and most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb and chicken, working with all the major retailers and food service outlets.
Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value and food service products.
Across Pilgrim's Europe we combine 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by a shared set of core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious and innovative food, which is enjoyed by millions of people in the UK, Ireland and Europe every day. Our Pilgrim's Europe team are based in our Pilgrim's UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim's Food Masters and Pilgrim's Shared Services businesses.
What we'll bring to the table
Competitive Salary
Competitive Holiday Entitlement
Pension Contribution
Family Friendly Policies
Learning and Development Opportunities
Life Assurance
People matter
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Our values
Determination
Simplicity
Availability
Humility
Discipline
Sincerity
Ownership